🏀 Youth Basketball Registration Is Open!
Calling all future athletes — boys and girls in grades K-5 — it’s time to hit the court!

Register now for Dale Burns Youth Sports Basketball, a fun and affordable way to learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and skills that last a lifetime.

📅 Registration: November 3–December 15
💲 Fee: $35 (covers all youth sports for the entire year!)
👟 Practices begin: January 5
🏆 Games begin: January 17
🧢 Coaches: Sign up by December 1 — clinic on January 3

👉 Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit https://bristoltn.recdesk.com
to register today!

Proudly presented by Bristol Tennessee City Schools and Bristol Parks & Recreation.

2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
“Dale Burns Youth Sports Basketball Registration — Boys and Girls Grades K–5. November 3–December 15. The fee of $35 allows your student to participate in youth sports for the entire year. Coaching clinic: January 3. Deadline to sign up to coach: December 1. Practices begin: January 5. Games begin: January 17.” A QR code is centered over the basketball hoop. At the bottom are logos for Bristol Parks & Recreation and Bristol Tennessee City Schools, along with the registration link: https://bristoltn.recdesk.com/ . The overall color palette includes orange, brown, and tan with navy blue text accents.
It’s National School Psychology Week! We are grateful for Dr. Michael Hopkins and his continued support of BTCS students. We also welcome interns Yilena Betancourt and Jake Metsky, who are working alongside Dr. Hopkins and Frontier Health through the Northeast Tennessee Psychology Internship Consortium.
2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Illustrated graphic showing a student with a backpack and lacrosse stick walking on a forest path toward a red brick school building. Text reads: “School Psychologists: THANK YOU for supporting our students! #SchoolPsychWeek.” Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo appears at the bottom.

🎉 Calling all problem-solvers and curious minds! 🚀
We’re thrilled to open registration for the 2025-26 Elementary Robotics Program at our schools.
Let’s “power up” for a year of innovation, collaboration, and epic robot moments. Share this with friends and get ready to build something amazing together! ⚙️🤖
Watch video here: https://youtu.be/HxuS3ozH4mQ
Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfdzd2m

2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Digital graphic promoting the BTCS Elementary Robotics program. A sleek silver-and-teal humanoid robot kneels in a ready position against a dark blue tech-inspired background. The text reads “BTCS Elementary Robotics — New Term Incoming,” with smaller icons labeled “Technology,” “STEM,” and “Robot.” The overall design conveys innovation and excitement for a new robotics season.

🎉 Congratulations to the Bristol Tennessee Board of Education!

We’re proud to share that our BTCS Board of Education has been recognized by the Tennessee School Boards Association as a Board of Distinction—a reflection of their dedication, collaboration, and steadfast commitment to the students, staff, and families of Bristol Tennessee City Schools.

Their leadership continues to make a positive difference in our schools and community every day.

Learn more about this achievement ➡️ www.btcs.org/article/2520680

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic with a maroon and gray background featuring the text “Congratulations Bristol Tennessee Board of Education” and “TSBA Board of Distinction.” Below the text are five members of the Bristol Tennessee Board of Education smiling and standing together, with one member holding a framed plaque. The Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo appears at the bottom.

Closing out our National Principals Month spotlight series is Dr. Luke Douthat, principal of Tennessee Middle School!

“Dr. Douthat is a good principal for many amazing reasons. He is so warm and understanding… He is never in a bad mood. Every time I see him, he is always giving a smile or asking, ‘How was your day?’ or saying, ‘Have a good day,’ and is such a sweet principal.” — McKinley, 8th grade

Dr. Douthat’s kindness and positivity set the tone for Tennessee Middle. His genuine care for students and daily encouragement make TMS a place where everyone feels welcome and supported.

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic featuring a professional photo of Dr. Luke Douthat wearing a light blue shirt, blue tie, and gray plaid suit jacket. Text reads: “Tennessee Middle School. National Principals Month. Dr. Luke Douthat, Principal, Tennessee Middle School. ‘Dr. Douthat is a good principal for many amazing reasons. He is so warm and understanding … he is never in a bad mood. Every time I see him, he always is giving a smile or asking ‘How was your day?’ or saying, ‘Have a good day’ and is such a sweet principal.’ —McKinley, 8th grade.” Includes the Tennessee Middle Vikings logo at the top left, #ThankAPrincipal, and the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo at the bottom right.

Our next National Principals Month spotlight features Denise McKee, principal of Avoca Elementary School!

“Ms. McKee works very hard. She helps the teachers, and then teachers help us. She is important.” — Logan, 2nd grade
“One time, Ms. McKee said I was a good leader, and that made me feel appreciated.” — Bowie, 5th grade

Ms. McKee’s dedication and encouragement uplift everyone at Avoca. Her support for both teachers and students helps the entire school community grow stronger together.

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic featuring a professional photo of Denise McKee wearing a pink top and cardigan. Text reads: “Avoca Elementary School. National Principals Month. Denise McKee, Principal, Avoca Elementary School. ‘Ms. McKee works very hard. She helps the teachers and then teachers help us. She is important.’ —Logan, 2nd grade. ‘One time, Ms. McKee said I was a good leader and that made me feel appreciated.’ —Bowie, 5th grade.” Includes the Avoca school logo at the top left, #ThankAPrincipal, and the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo at the bottom right.
Our next National Principals Month spotlight features Kim Kirk, principal of Tennessee High School!

“Mrs. Kirk makes us feel valued with things like ‘Super Student’! She appreciates all of us, no matter what group we fit into.” — Jade, 12th grade

Mrs. Kirk’s leadership celebrates every student’s strengths and achievements. Her encouragement and inclusiveness help make Tennessee High a place where every Viking belongs.
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic featuring a professional photo of Kim Kirk wearing a white blouse with black polka dots. Text reads: “Tennessee High School. National Principals Month. Kim Kirk, Principal, Tennessee High School. ‘Mrs. Kirk makes us feel valued with things like ‘Super Student’! She appreciates all of us, no matter what group we fit into.’ —Jade, 12th grade.” Includes the Tennessee High Vikings logo at the top left, #ThankAPrincipal, and the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo at the bottom right.

🎉 Congratulations, BTCS! 🎉
Bristol Tennessee City Schools earned top 20 state achievement rankings in multiple subject areas for the 2024–25 school year!

🏅 Geometry
🏅 Science (Grades 3, 5 & 6)
🏅 Social Studies (Grades 6 & 8 and Overall 3-8)
🏅 U.S. History

We’re proud of our students, teachers, and staff for their hard work and dedication to academic excellence!

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Top20TCAP

This week is National School Bus Safety Week! 🚌
We’re celebrating the drivers, students, and staff who make each ride to and from school safe and respectful. Remember to Be Responsible, Use Respect, and Stay Safe.
Learn more about BTCS bus rules and watch our safety video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=640Yg-4ZaM0

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic with text “National School Bus Safety Week.” Below, the phrase “Be Responsible, Use Respect, Stay Safe” appears with the first letters of each phrase underlined to spell “BUS.” The Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo and an illustration of a yellow school bus are at the bottom. The graphic has a thin yellow border.
Our next National Principals Month spotlight features John Sproles, principal of Anderson Elementary School!

“He is funny and very, very smart!” — Soren, 1st grade
“He’s really nice. He helped me pack up to go home when I was sick.” — Priscilla, 1st grade

Mr. Sproles brings a perfect mix of humor, heart, and dedication to Anderson. Whether he’s making students laugh or lending a helping hand, his care and positivity make a lasting impact on everyone he meets.
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic featuring a professional photo of John Sproles wearing a dark jacket and a patterned shirt. Text reads: “Anderson Elementary School. National Principals Month. John Sproles, Principal, Anderson Elementary School. ‘He is funny and very, very smart!’ —Soren, 1st grade. ‘He’s really nice. He helped me pack up to go home when I was sick.’ —Priscilla, 1st grade.” Includes the Anderson Rams logo at the top left, #ThankAPrincipal, and the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo at the bottom right.

Our next National Principals Month spotlight features Kayla McMeans, principal of Holston View Elementary School!

“She is kind to everyone, and she knows my name.” — Wrenley, Kindergarten
“Ms. McMeans has the coolest office. Did you know that she has a candy machine?” — Mason, Kindergarten

At Holston View, Ms. McMeans leads with heart—bringing laughter and a sense of belonging to the school community.

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic featuring a professional photo of Kayla McMeans wearing a black top with patterned sleeves. Text reads: “Holston View Elementary School. National Principals Month. Kayla McMeans, Principal, Holston View Elementary School. ‘She is kind to everyone, and she knows my name.’ —Wrenley, Kindergarten. ‘Ms. McMeans has the coolest office. Did you know that she has a candy machine?’ —Mason, Kindergarten.” Includes the Holston View owl logo at the top left, #ThankAPrincipal, and the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo at the bottom right.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and today we celebrate Unity Day! 🧡 BTCS stands together for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Students and families can report concerns like bullying anytime through the Safe School Helpline: https://www.btcs.org/o/btcs/page/safe-school-helpline
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic with the text “STOP BULLYING” in bold brown letters on a yellow background. The letter “O” in “STOP” is replaced with a handprint inside a circle. Below, five diverse hands join together over a globe surrounded by small hearts. Text on the right reads “BTCS TOGETHER AGAINST BULLYING.” The Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo appears at the bottom.
Today we’re celebrating Tanika Hardin, principal of Haynesfield Elementary School, as part of National Principals Month!

“She is really good at keeping kids safe.” — Fallon, Kindergarten
“We like to give her hugs.” — Liam, Kindergarten

Mrs. Hardin’s caring spirit and joyful energy make Haynesfield a place where students feel valued, supported, and excited to come to school each day.
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic featuring a professional photo of Tanika Hardin wearing a tan sweater with an orange top underneath. Text reads: “Haynesfield Hurricanes. National Principals Month. Tanika Hardin, Principal, Haynesfield Elementary School. ‘She is really good at keeping kids safe.’ —Fallon, Kindergarten. ‘We like to give her hugs.’ —Liam, Kindergarten.” Includes the Haynesfield Hurricanes logo at the top left, #ThankAPrincipal, and the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo at the bottom right.

Check out the BTCS Fall Newsletter for highlights and updates! https://bristoltennesseecityschools.edurooms.com/engage/bristol-tennessee-city-schools/newsletters/fall-2025-btcs-news-123

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic titled “BTCS News” with a maroon border. Inside a white square, large maroon outlined text reads “FALL” with “2025” displayed vertically to the left.
The bots are back! 🤖 Roboflow, our BTCS elementary robotics club, is returning for another season of innovation and teamwork. More details coming soon! https://tinyurl.com/BTCSRobotics2025
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
**Alt text:** Graphic with a blue digital circuit board background. Center text reads “Elementary Robotics” with “Bristol Tennessee City Schools” beneath it. The words “Coming Soon” appear in yellow near the bottom.

Next up in our National Principals Month spotlight series is Trey Arrington, principal of Fairmount Elementary School!

“If you have a good principal, your life may change, but if you have a principal like Mr. Arrington, your life will never be the same.” — Kayla, 5th grade

Thank you, Mr. Arrington, for creating an environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to grow each day. Your leadership makes Fairmount a special place to learn and thrive.

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic featuring a professional photo of Trey Arrington wearing a light blue shirt and gray Bristol Tennessee City Schools vest. Text reads: “Fairmount Red Hawks. National Principals Month. Trey Arrington, Principal, Fairmount Elementary School. ‘If you have a good principal your life may change, but if you have a principal like Mr. Arrington your life will never be the same.’ —Kayla, 5th grade.” Includes the Fairmount Red Hawks logo at the top left, #ThankAPrincipal, and the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo at the bottom right.
As we kick off National Principals Month, we’re celebrating Keith Parker, principal of Tennessee Online Public School!

“Mr. Parker is a very kindhearted principal. He is always there and willing to help. He is very thoughtful and is very determined! Mr. Parker is an incredible principal, and we are so lucky to have him!” — Paisley, 7th grade

Thank you, Mr. Parker, for leading with compassion and commitment to your students and staff. Your kindness and dedication make TOPS a great place to learn!
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic featuring a professional photo of Keith Parker wearing a gray suit, blue shirt, and patterned blue tie. Text reads: “Tennessee Online Public School. National Principals Month. Keith Parker, Principal, Tennessee Online Public School. ‘Mr. Parker is a very kindhearted principal. He is always there and willing to help. He is very thoughtful and is very determined! Mr. Parker is an incredible principal, and we are so lucky to have him!!’ —Paisley, 7th grade.” Includes the TOPS logo at the top left, #ThankAPrincipal, and the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo at the bottom right.
Happy Child Health Day! Today, BTCS celebrates the importance of nurturing the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every child. From staying active on the playground to making healthy choices in and out of the classroom, we’re committed to helping our students grow strong and thrive every day.
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Illustration of a sunny playground with two red and yellow play structures connected by slides and ladders. The text reads "Child Health Day, October 6, 2025” with the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo at the bottom.

Representatives from Bloomberg Philanthropies and Ballad Health visited Bristol Tennessee City Schools on September 29 to learn how our students are gaining early access to health science pathways through the Ballad Health Academy.
BTCS is the only district in the region offering high school credit in health science at the middle school level—and we lead the region in Ballad Academy enrollment.
Read the full story. https://www.btcs.org/article/2465423

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Collage of students participating in health science classes at Bristol Tennessee City Schools. Images show students practicing clinical skills, assisting classmates acting as patients, and working with instructors in classroom and lab settings. The center overlay reads, “Bloomberg Philanthropies and Ballad Health Visit BTCS to Spotlight Innovative Health Science Pathways.”
🎉 Congratulations to Holston View Elementary and Haynesfield Elementary! 🎉

Both schools earned Level 5 composite scores — the highest possible rating — through the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) for the 2024–25 school year!

This recognition reflects the incredible growth and dedication of our students, teachers, and staff. Thank you for your commitment to helping every student learn, grow, and succeed!
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic with the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo and maroon banner across the top. The word “Congratulations!” appears in large maroon script with gold stars around it. Below is a gold seal that reads “TVAAS Level 5, 2024–25.” At the bottom, text reads “Holston View Elementary School” and “Haynesfield Elementary School.”